My cousin, Leroy A. Petry, is an Army Ranger who lost his right hand during a battle in Afghanistan. On July 12, during a ceremony at the White House, he will receive the Medal of Honor for his courageous actions — he saved two other soldiers — during that battle. This is the story of my experiences in Washington, D.C., to be there with family when "our hero" receives the military's highest honor.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Ranger view

Pvt. 1st Class Lucas Robinson, right, and Sgt. Daniel Higgins — the two men Leroy risked his life to save in Afghanistan.

Leroy A. Petry poses with members of his Ranger battalion. Around 30 of Leroy's fellow soldiers made the trip to Washington, D.C., to support him.